Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell Tears Up at ACMs Over Son’s ‘American Idol’ Journey

All of the Backstreet Boys voted for Baylee Littrell when he competed on season 23 of “American Idol,” but it wasn’t enough to keep member Brian Littrell’s son from going home.

During a red carpet appearance at the ACMs on May 8, 2025, the iconic boy band told “Entertainment Tonight” they “all voted for him” as Brian got choked up talking about his son’s journey on the show. The 22-year-old, who made it to the top 20, was widely criticized online by viewers who labeled him a “nepo baby” who was riding on the coattails of his famous dad.

Brian Littrell Says He ‘Can’t Put Into Words’ How Proud He Is of Son Baylee Littrell After ‘American Idol’ Journey

Baylee auditioned with his parents in tow and made it to the top 20 of “American Idol.” He was sent home on April 21 after viewer votes weren’t enough to get him through to the top 14 and judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie opted not to save him.

When ET correspondent Cassie DiLaura asked Brian about how proud he was of his son’s journey on May 8, he immediately got choked up, telling her, “I mean, you can’t really put it in words. But, I mean, he’s just living the dream. He’s a talented young man so, you know, we’ll see — the sky’s the limit.”

“You know, it’s tough,” Brian continued. “This business isn’t easy, it’ll chew you up and spit you out. But, uh, I think he’s in good hands.”

BSB member Kevin Richardson chimed in, “He’s a talented young man. He’s just beginning his journey.”

Baylee Littrell Will Release ‘Hey Jesus’ as a Single

On May 2, Baylee told CCM Magazine that “American Idol” producers had encouraged him to audition for four years before he finally said yes.

“I’ve been doing music on my own for really the past, like six years, seven years, mostly spending my time in Nashville and touring,” Baylee said. “But it just never was really working out like I had hoped. I was never getting the big break that I needed or the exposure.”

“People barely know my name,” the college student acknowledged. “They just know my background or where I come from. It’s definitely hard. During my time in the industry, people would try to sign me, then find out where I come from, and never talk to me again.”

But Baylee was nervous about auditioning for a TV show, telling CCM, “I didn’t want to be a viral bad moment on American Idol. I didn’t want to not get the golden ticket. I was terrified to be vulnerable.”

Brian told ET that Baylee will soon release “Hey Jesus” as a single, a faith-driven song he wrote at age 19 and performed during Hollywood Week.

“This song truly, like I wrote it in a very dark time in my life,” Baylee told CCM. “It’s more about the struggle with faith, the struggle with finding your way. A big common misconception is that God won’t let us fall down. But falling is part of the journey.”